The firm is one of more than 40 employers that have now signed up to the scheme.

Gail Gillatt, marketing manager for Shepherd Construction, told PRWeek: 'Our marketing department is extremely busy. The apprenticeship programme appealed as it will lend more structure to the training and development that will support us as much as the apprentice we take on.'

Around £1.2m was set aside from the Government's £18.7m Higher Apprenticeship Fund for the scheme, which aims to help non-graduates enter the PR industry.

Fiona McBride, CEO of Pearson in Practice, said the response to date had been 'extremely positive'.

It is hoped that more than 600 PR apprenticeships will be created over the next three years, involving 19- to 24-year-olds who are looking for an alternative to university.